Oneida Daily Dispatch 
Monday, Jan.17, 2000 
	  
  DURHAMVILLE - Joseph K. Balke, 79, of 5413 Foster St., died late Saturday 
afternoon, Jan. 15, 2000, at the Extended Care Facility of the Oneida 
Healthcare Center. 
  Mr. Balke was born on June 9, 1920 in Oneida, the son of Wilbert and 
Florence Maihafer Balke. 
  He was educated in the Oneida school system. From the years of 1942 to 1945
during World War 11 Mr. Balke served with the U.S. Army Air Corps as an air 
craft mechanic in the propeller overhaul division. During his tour of duty he
served in the Pacific Theatre where Mr. Balke was awarded the American 
Service Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Medal and the World War 11 Victory Medal. 
On June 7, 1947 in Durhamville, he married the former Ann Byrne in St. 
Francis Church, Durhamville. Prior to his retirement in 1993, Mr. Balke was a 
self employed general contractor. 
  Mr. Balke was of the Catholic faith and a member of St. Francis Church, 
Durhamville. His memberships also included the Durhamville Vets Club and a 
former member of the Durhamville Fife Department. 
  Surviving are his wife; three daughters and sons-in-law, Joann and William 
Tarry of Brooksville, Fla., Patricia and Lynn Hurrle of Canastota and Jean 
and Robert Brzuszkiewicz of Oneida; one brother and sister-in-law, Paul and 
Norma Balke of Durhamville; two sisters and one brother-in-law, Rita Balke of
Oneida and Theresa and Sam Sgarlata of Canastota; seven grandchildren, Susan 
Brophy, Mark Tarry, Elizabeth Tarry, Christopher Hurrle, Timothy, Alan and 
David Brzuszkiewicz; two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 
Mr. Balke was predeceased by a brother, George Balke and a sister, Evelyn 
Davenport.